Okay, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and the Motorola Moto G35. This is a fascinating comparison because we have a foldable flagship from a few years back going head-to-head with a newer, budget-focused device. It's not exactly apples-to-apples, but it highlights some interesting trade-offs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table that goes deep into the specs, focusing on what matters to you, the user:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | Z Flip3: Unique folding design for pocketability; Moto G35: Traditional, robust build. |
| Dimensions | 166 × 72.2 × 6.9 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | Z Flip3: Slimmer profile when unfolded; Moto G35: Slightly larger, but easier to hold due to less height in comparison. |
| Weight | 183g | 188g | Z Flip3: Lighter, feels premium and compact; Moto G35: Slightly heavier, but stable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.72" | Both offer large screens; almost negligible difference in size |
| Resolution | 1080x2640 | 1080x2400 | Z Flip3: Sharper display with a higher pixel density |
| PPI | 426 | 392 | Z Flip3: Noticeably crisper text and images, especially in detail-oriented tasks. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Moto G35: IPS LCD ensures good viewing angles and colour accuracy | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both devices have equally smooth scrolling and responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1000 nits | Z Flip3: Better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Unisoc T760 | Z Flip3: Flagship performance, handling demanding apps and games with ease; Moto G35: Decent for everyday tasks, can struggle in demanding scenarios. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 423,297 | Z Flip3: Significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking; Moto G35: Capable for basic usage but noticeable lag is there in comparison. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 | Z Flip3: Superior graphics, for smoother gaming; Moto G35: Basic graphics for casual use. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12.2MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Moto G35: Higher resolution, good for detail in bright light; Z Flip3: Larger sensor size and higher pixel size better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Moto G35: Higher resolution selfie camera |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP | 8MP, f/2.2 | Z Flip3: Higher resolution wide angle camera |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps, HDR, Slow-mo | 4K@30fps, Slow-mo | Z Flip3: Versatile video options, excellent stabilization. Moto G35: Good 4K capture with a less performant stabilization |
| DXOMark Camera Score | 111 | N/A | Z Flip3: Superior camera quality proven with a score of 111 |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 3300mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G35: Significantly longer battery life; Z Flip3: Might need midday charging with heavy usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Moto G35: Slightly faster charging. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging | N/A | Z Flip3: Can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (up to 14) | Android 14 | Moto G35: More up-to-date software out-of-the-box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | Z Flip3: Faster and more efficient Wi-Fi performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Z Flip3: Better range and power efficiency for Bluetooth connections. |
| GPS | More systems | Fewer systems | Z Flip3: More accurate location tracking. |
| SIM Support | Dual SIM (eSIM) | Dual SIM (eSIM) | Both support dual SIM and eSIM, catering to different use cases |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both provide enough storage for most users. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4/8GB | Z Flip3: Consistent and higher RAM than lower end Moto G35 variant, better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports MicroSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G35: Superior audio performance with spatial audio and better call quality |
| Security | |||
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Similar biometric security via fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Z Flip3: Significantly better screen scratch and drop resistance |
| Sensors | Barometer | N/A | Z Flip3: More environmental sensors |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G:
- Strengths: This phone is all about that foldable form factor and premium experience. It offers a unique blend of portability and a large display when needed. The Snapdragon 888 chipset delivers flagship-level performance, making it great for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. The camera system, though not the highest resolution, delivers great results, especially in low light.
- Competitive Advantages: The standout here is the foldable design. No other phone on this list has this. The premium feel and performance are hard to match at this price point. The higher resolution display and brighter screen are a bonus.
- Trade-offs: The battery life is a concern. The 3300mAh cell will likely need a midday top-up. Also, the lack of expandable storage is a limitation. Additionally, while the main and wide camera sensors and lenses are of good quality, they are outdated in comparison to modern high end options.
Motorola Moto G35:
- Strengths: The Moto G35 focuses on the basics: a large, reliable display, a very large battery, and a newer operating system. The 5000mAh battery offers exceptional endurance. The design is practical and sturdy. The camera is well-equipped with a higher resolution main sensor.
- Competitive Advantages: The battery life is the biggest win here. It also features Dolby Atmos speakers, a nice addition for audio consumption. The newer software and more cost-effective nature makes it appealing to people looking for a reliable daily phone.
- Trade-offs: The performance from the Unisoc chipset is notably weaker than the Snapdragon 888, it may lag in demanding tasks. The screen is less pixel-dense, the video quality of the Moto G35 is not as versatile and its image processing capabilities are not as good. There is less support for newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G:
- Best for: Tech enthusiasts, those seeking a unique and premium experience, users who prioritize performance and camera quality, people who appreciate a compact design and are OK with charging their phone more often.
- Use Cases: Gaming, content creation, social media, everyday productivity, and travel (due to its compact form factor).
Motorola Moto G35:
- Best for: Budget-conscious users, people who need a long-lasting battery, those who prefer a reliable device for everyday tasks, and media consumption, a user looking for a budget option with good value.
- Use Cases: Daily communication, media consumption (videos, audio, social media browsing), light gaming, and travel (due to battery life).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help users decide:
- "How important is battery life?" If you need a phone that can easily last a full day or more, the Moto G35 is the clear choice. The Galaxy Z Flip3 will often require a top up within the day.
- "Do you prioritize performance or unique design?" If you want a fast, smooth experience and a head-turning design, the Galaxy Z Flip3 is the better option.
- "What's my budget?" If you're on a tight budget, the Moto G35 is a more sensible choice while offering a large battery and good software experience.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- The Gamer/Power User: Go with the Galaxy Z Flip3. The Snapdragon 888 offers an edge when gaming and running high-end apps.
- The On-the-Go Traveler: If you are out and about all day and don't want to worry about battery, the Moto G35 is the preferred choice.
- The Casual User: The Moto G35 is more than capable of everyday tasks and will provide better battery life.
- The Tech Enthusiast: The unique form factor and superior performance of the Galaxy Z Flip3 makes it more desirable.
What Would I Choose?
Personally, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. Even though it's a few years old now and has some notable shortcomings, the sheer experience of using that folding display and enjoying the flagship performance outweighs the compromises I'd need to make in battery life. As a tech enthusiast, I love a unique and exciting form factor. I can also work around the battery limitations by ensuring that I have access to charging. The unique value proposition of the Galaxy Z Flip3 wins out over the Moto G35 which feels like an ordinary smartphone.
The Moto G35 is a solid phone, don't get me wrong. But its focus is on practicality and good value, and while that's commendable, my needs are slightly different. I'd happily make some battery and everyday user compromises for the unique feature set of the Z Flip 3.
